Donors who gave the gift of life are now honored on “Tree of Life” tribute walls at four Main Line Health campuses.
Dedication at Paoli Hospital with staff from Gift of Life Donor Program (GLDP) and Main Line Health. Pictured from left: Howard Nathan (GLDP); Bernadette Weis; Stephanie Haley; Sofiya Leake; Barbara Wadsworth; Matt Magargal; Debbie Cotellese (GLDP); and Geralyn Esworthy.
The donor tribute walls were dedicated in April at Lankenau Medical Center, Bryn Mawr Hospital, Paoli Hospital and Riddle Hospital. The trees feature metal leaves inscribed with the names of 84 generous deceased and living organ and tissue donors.
Main Line is the first health system in the area to create this type of permanent memorial to honor organ and tissue donors. Other hospitals in the region have memorials of different design.
“Transplants save thousands of lives each year but the number of people in need of transplants far exceeds the number of organs, tissues and corneas that are donated,” said Barbara Wadsworth, RN, senior vice president of patient services and the chief nursing officer (CNO) at Main Line Health. “Gift of Life does an extraordinary job raising awareness of organ donation, increasing donor registration and supporting the individuals and families who donate and receive. As a member of the Governing Board, I’m honored to support this wonderful organization.”
Dedication at Riddle Hospital with staff from Gift of Life Donor Program (GLDP) and Main Line Health. Pictured from left: Rosi Wurster; Debbie Cotellese (GLDP); Marcie Brozyna; Howard Nathan (GLDP); Stephanie McMahon, and Barbara Wadsworth.
Main Line Health is a not-for-profit health system serving portions of Philadelphia and its western suburbs. A team of more than 10,000 employees and 2,000 physicians care for patients throughout Main Line Health System.